In Sock Monkey Slippers is a family food blog celebrating fresh whole foods and bringing the family together around the dinner table. You'll find step-by-step recipes for everyone in the family, product reviews, and a peek into the sometimes comical life of Meredith Steele in her sock monkey slippers.
Be on the look out! ISMS is getting a face-lift in May.
Can a simple paring knife be sexy? Normally I would say, no until I found this paring knife from New West Knife Works and let me tell you it’s the sexiest little knife I’ve ever had in my hand. Seriously.
Not only gorgeous, the Fusionwood 2.0 Paring Knife is one of the best performing knives I now own. Made with powder metal super steel CPM S35VN combined with their unique blade shape and grinding method, New West Knife Works creates a paring knife unparallelled in performance. Basically… this knife is amazing.
I put it to the test the other day by simply cutting sections out of a clementine, something that all other paring knives I’ve used just can not do without making a horrible mess and leaving me with bits and pieces of citrus. The verdict… beautiful perfect slices and a peel that sliced off like butter. I highly, highly, highly recommend this knife for anyone, no matter what your skill level is in the kitchen.
New West Knife Works is an American company. Their knifes are made in the USA with USA made steel, sustainably harvested wood, and have a lifetime garantee. For more information about New West Kife Works visit their website, NewWestKnifeWorks.com, and check out their Facebook page for a fabulous giveaway (until 12/20/2012) for a chance to win a four peice knife set!
giveaway
The giveaway is now closed. Thanks to everyone who participated. Because I’m incredibly in love with this knife, New West Knife Works is graciously giving me a Fusionwood 2.0 Paring Knife valued at $99 (just like the one I have) to give to one of you!
to enter:
Leave a comment here telling us who in your life (it can be you) deserves this amazing knife.
“like” InSockMonkeySlippers on Facebook and/or Twitter – leave a comment here
“like” New West Knife Works on Facebook - leave a comment here
The giveaway will end Friday, December 14, 2012, at noon central. The winner will be chosen randomly and will be notified by e-mail. United States residents only, please. Good Luck!
Disclosure: I received the product mentioned above for free for review purposes from New West Knife Works. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I usually do not make casseroles. To me they had a stigma of “a can of this, a can of that, and a can of that stuff that I’m not exactly sure what it is” and that is not how I cook. It wasn’t until a package arrived at my door with two samples of Texmati Rice that I began to wander down the casserole road to give this rice the ultimate test: prolonged baking in the oven. This is usually not a fine moment for a grain of rice and ends up a soggy gooey mess that no one will dare eat.
To my amazement not only can you make a delicios casserole without a can of msg (most name brands of canned cream of____ contain a high portion of preservatives and msg) but surprisingly you can make one with deliciousTexmati Rice that held up and worked beautifully.
what is texmati rice?
RiceSelect’s Texmati Rice is one of the most recognized brands of aromatic rice in the United States and the taste and texture is outstanding. I tried both the Texmati White Rice and the Texmati Brown Rice. Texmati White Rice combines the flavor and texture of a basmati rice with the American long grain rice producing a light, flavorful, and unique long grain rice. It is ideal by itself, in casseroles, and my daughter’s favorite: sweet rice with carrots and raisins. This is the one I am using in the following recipe.
Texmati Brown Rice is a healthy whole grain alternative to the white rice. Unlike most brown rice I’ve found, Texmati Brown Rice removes only the inedible husk of the grain retaining the full nutrients brown rice has to offer. This by far is now my favorite brown rice. When cooked it keeps it’s texture, has a pleasant nutty flavor, and is simple to make. It is great in stir-fries (recently tried it with beef and broccoli), soups, pilafs, and heavily flavored dishes.
the results…
I was very pleased with both the Texmati Rice selections. Both cook very well and I have yet to have that dreaded mushy outcome that a lot of grains can produce when pushed to the limits. The long grains, nutty flavorful taste, and texture by far outweighs any other rice I have had. Texmati is made in the USA and supports the Go Texan label. All in all I give Texmati two slippers up and highly recommend it. You can find Texmati Rice at most local grocery stores or online.
Now to the casserole… This Chicken, Rice, and Artichoke Casserole is intensely flavorful, family approved, and made with all natural ingredients. Simply sear, combine, and bake for a nutritious family meal.
Chicken, Rice, and Artichoke Casserole w/ Texmati Riceserves 8
Preheat oven to 375°F. Peel and chop the onion and garlic cloves. Set aside.
Sprinkle a pinch of salt and a pinch of pepper on all chicken thighs. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot add the olive oil and chicken thighs. Sear the thighs until browned on each side, about 2 to 3 minutes a side. *The thighs will not be cooked all the way and should still be pink on the inside. They will finish cooking in the oven. Once browned, remove the thighs to a plate. Depending on the size of your pan you might have to do this in two batches. Cooking School 101 never overcrowded your pan or you will end up with unhappy grey meat and no one wants a sad chicken thigh.
After the thighs are browned add the diced onion and garlic. Reduce heat to medium and saute until the onion starts to become translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove the onion and garlic to a plate and set aside.
Deglaze the pan by pouring the wine into the skillet and with a wooden spoon scrape the bits of browned goodness off the pan.
Reduce the heat to low. To the wine add the chicken stock, milk, sour cream, salt, and parsley. Whisk thoroughly to combine. Turn off heat.
In a 9″ x 13″ x 2″ casserole dish, add the raw rice evenly to the bottomm of the dish.
On top of the rice add the cooked onion and garlic.
Next, roughly chop the spinach and add it to the casserole dish.
With a knife, quarter the artichoke hearts and add them to the dish as well.
Dice the tomato, adding it to the casserole dish.
Finally, pour the milk and cream mixture over the rice, onions and other vegetables in the dish. With a spoon, slightly stir to incorporate. Nestle the browned chicken thighs evenly on top. Tightly cover with foil and place in the oven. Bake for 40 minutes.
Carefully, remove the foil and sprinkle the parmesan cheese on top. Place back in the oven and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes until all of the liquid has absorbed and the cheese has melted.
Savory, cheesy with a little tang from the artichokes, this Chicken Rice and Artichoke Casserole is a family favorite.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received Texmati Rice for free for review purposes from RiceSelect. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. In accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Chicken, Rice, and Artichoke Casserole with Texmati Riceserves 8
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Peel and chop the onion and garlic cloves. Set aside.
2. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and a pinch of pepper on all chicken thighs. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot add the olive oil and chicken thighs. Sear the thighs until browned on each side, about 2 to 3 minutes a side. *The thighs will not be cooked all the way and should still be pink on the inside. They will finish cooking in the oven. Once browned, remove the thighs to a plate. Depending on the size of your pan you might have to do this in two batches. Cooking School 101 never overcrowded your pan or you will end up with unhappy grey meat and no one wants a sad chicken thigh.
3. After the thighs are browned add the diced onion and garlic. Reduce heat to medium and saute until the onion starts to become translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove the onion and garlic to a plate and set aside. Deglaze the pan by pouring the wine into the skillet and with a wooden spoon scrape the bits of browned chicken off the pan. Reduce the heat to low. To the wine add the chicken stock, milk, sour cream, salt, and parsley. Whisk thoroughly to combine. Turn off heat.
4. In a 9″ x 13″ x 2″ casserole dish, add the raw rice evenly to the bottomm of the dish. On top of the rice add the cooked onion and garlic. Next, roughly chop the spinach and add it to the casserole dish. With a knife, quarter the artichoke hearts and add them to the dish as well. Dice the tomato, adding it to the casserole dish.
5. Pour the milk and cream mixture over the rice, onions and other vegetables in the dish. With a spoon, slightly stir to incorporate. Nestle the browned chicken thighs evenly on top. Tightly cover with foil and place in the oven. Bake for 40 minutes.
6. Carefully, remove the foil and sprinkle the parmesan cheese on top. Place back in the oven and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes until all of the liquid has absorbed and the cheese has melted.
I’ve never been much of a soda fan (unless it’s mixed with something a little stronger, just telling you the truth here) but water is sometimes a little boring. I’ve never been a fan of artificial sweeteners or chemically altered flavors to make water drinkable. It just doesn’t make since to me and I would never give my daughter such things either. That’s why I was excited to try out Flavrz all natural liquid drink mix to give our water a little boost.
Flavrz is a line of liquid, all-natural, low sugar, drink mixes that are surprisingly naturally low in calories. They come in 6 flavors: Cherry Berry, Lemon Lime, Tropical, Superfruit Sport, Fruit Punch Energy, and Citrus Hibiscus Immunity. Packaged in an easy to use pouch, each one flavors 12 to 20 ounces of water or sparkling water. Flavrz uses all organic fresh fruits and ingredients in all of their products making these water enhancers practically good for you.
After the family and I tried out all six Flavrz our conclusion was this: Pros:
Mix to according to your own taste
Very low in calories
Natural and Organic
Each flavor was enjoyable
When mixed with sparkling water you felt like you were having a soda
Since it is low in sugar, I don’t have to worry about giving it to my daughter as I would with juice or soda
Cons:
The packaging is not really portable. Once you open it you can not close it for future use if you choose not to use the entire package in one drink.
Flavrz also has a line of Liquid Soda Mix which my ultra-marathon running husband of mine really enjoyed. They have 3 flavors of soda mix; Root Beer, Cola and Ginger Ale. It is the same concept as the Flavrz pouches. Just mix a small amount of Flavrz Liquid Soda Mix (according to your tastes) to sparkling water and you have an instant all natural, low calorie, low sugar soda that really taste like a real soda from the can. We tried the Ginger Ale and enjoyed it. An entire 16 ounce bottle made us around 12 servings.
The verdict: we enjoyed it and would use it again. Two slippers up.
To find out more information about Flavrz or to find a store near you visit www.flavrzdrinkmix.com .
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the product mentioned above for free for review purposes from Flavrz. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. FTC 16 CFR, Part 255
Recently, I was asked by Oransi, a company that provides the best new green cleaning products, to give their Ionic Fridge Air Purifier a try. Seeing how my head is always stuck in the fridge I thought that I could really give it a run for it’s money, so to speak. So, what is the Ionic Fridge Air Purifier all about you ask?
According to Oransi:
The Oransi ionic air purifier for refrigerators features patented Piezo-electric technology that removes odors and bacteria to clean the refrigerator air thoroughly yet silently – and without the harmful side effects of ozone that normally is found in standard ionizers. The Oransi ionic air purifier is healthier than other refrigerator air purifiers and has been third-party tested by the Industrial Research Technology Institute (ITI). The ITI testing results found Oransi’s refrigerator air purifier to be 78% below the required FDA limits for ozone production.
After a two week trial in my food packed fridge, the Oransi Ionic Fridge Air Purifier did everything it promised. It was easy to use, I just inserted two AA batteries and turned it on. It’s small, requires no filters and extremely quite as I hardly noticed it was there. The best part of it all is that it really works. I have not noticed one smell in the fridge and I even put it to the test the other day when I cooked seafood stew and placed the leftovers in the fridge. My husband and I were both shocked that it actually works! Baking soda has never come close to what this little purifier can do.
Another benefit to Oransi’s fridge purifier is that it will save you money in the long haul. By requiring no filters there is no real added expense to the purifier except replacing the batteries every three months. Oransi also states that their fridge purifier will save you money by removing the bacteria that cause odor and food decay – thereby keeping food and produce fresher for extended periods of time. Honestly, it’s hard for me to test if it actually does keep food fresher for extended periods of time but I can understand how it might.
All in all, I found the Oransi Ionic Fridge Air Purifier to be a good green product that works! The Oransi ionic fridge air purifier is $29 and available online from Oransi at http://www.oransi.com/ionic_air_purifiers_s/6.htm.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the product mentioned above for free for review purposes from Oransi. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Tomorrow {monday}, I age one more year to “Ma’am” and lately I’ve been bombarded with e-mails and offers to represent the “middle-aged” mom. “Middle-aged” and Ma’am” are just not something I’m quite ready to label myself as. I’ve left my twenties behind, yes but I’ve still got a lot of rowdiness to get through before I’m going to settle down in a rocker. That’s why a couple of my friends from our “review panel” and I would love to tell you about this little book that has me laughing and looking back on my own journey of how I got here.
Meredith (Yours Truly) – “Just Don’t Call Me Ma’am is a hilarious tale that I believe most of us weather you ran off to a new place to find yourself or not can relate to. Although I did find it to jump around a little, it was a very engaging read that had me laughing till the very end and in some parts throwing my hand up in the air with an “amen sister!” I enjoyed it greatly and recommend it to all especially if you are from Texas or the south, have a beloved grandmother, call yourself a foodie, and survived your twenties intact.”
Ashley C. – “Just Don’t Call Me Ma’am is a fun and easy read. I felt some parts were a bit wordy at times but for the most part you will laugh out loud at the things Mitchael says in this post college 20s something book about surviving break ups and the big city. It also shows the truths in grandma’s wisdoms. If you are a mom that needs a laugh, definitely read this witty book we can all identify with!”
Kim – “Anna Mitchael’s Just Don’t Call Me Ma’am is an autobiographical account of what a southern-born, twenty-something woman learns from life in New York City, an ill-fated relationship, and returning to her childhood roots. Portions of the book are hilarious, such as the author’s description of being a bridesmaid or her witty discussion of Texas cuisine. Mitchael also captures the angst that many single women feel as they approach their late twenties without the certainty of a life-long mate. The most attractive portion of the book emphasizes the wisdom and security of family, particularly through the tales of Mitchael’s East Texas Grandma (who also hated being called Ma’am). Enduring and funny, this book has a message for women of allages, not just those in their twenties.”
There you have it. I recommend Just Don’t Call Me Ma’am is a must for your summer reading!
UPDATE: The giveaway is now over. The winner is Regina Edwards!
Since it’s my birthday tomorrow and I’m getting fiercely close (ok I’m already there) to being called ma’am and since I was supposed to do this review months ago (so very sorry Anna) I’m going to giveaway a copy of Just Don’t Call Me Ma’am! I really think y’all are going to enjoy this one!
How to enter, leave separate comments for each:
Leave a comment at the end of this post. Say Hi or tell us a little story of your own self discovery.
The giveaway will end Monday, May 30th 2011.The winner will be chosen randomly by random.org and posted on this post and e-mailed. Please, U.S. and Canadian residents only. Good Luck.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the product mentioned above for free for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
I’ve got my sock monkey slippers on (because it’s finally cold in Texas) and I’m ready to play Santa! Next week starting Monday morning we will be highlighting some of the best and most unique gifts for the holiday season and the best part….each day will have amazing giveaways, just in time for Christmas! Custom Gifts for Mom on Monday, great gifts for baby and toddler on Tuesday, gifts for the home chef on Wednesday, unique gifts for the man in your life on Thursday and we can’t forget gifts for your favorite pet on Friday. You won’t want to miss out next week because theses gifts and giveaways are awesome. See you Monday!
If you are like me I just can’t start thinking about Christmas until Thanksgiving is over and then, of course, I remember just how long it takes to mail out cards and I’m in a panic! No worries this year. The great folks at Shutterfly have it covered with an ample selection of cards plus a fast turnaround and have generously asked me to review their 2010 Holiday Card Collection just in time for the holidays.
I’ve never used Shutterfly before so this is a great chance for me to get familiar with the photo printing site. First of all, I was surprised how much they offered in printing options. Everything you can imagine from photo mugs to photo books can be made here at decent prices. So keep that in mind for your holiday gifts this year. When I finally pulled myself away from everything that Shutterfly had to offer on their website, I fell into the many, many, many holiday card designs that they had. As an ex-graphic designer I was a little weary of what Shutterfly might have but I was pleasantly shocked when I found the collection was elegant, modern, and beautiful. My favorites and the ones I will be choosing from this year are these:
So, if you are a member of our family or one of our awesome friends (because if you are one of our friends you just have to be awesome) you will receive one of these with our gorgeous faces in your mail soon!
Check out Shutterfly’s 2010 Holiday Card collection for your holiday greetings, photo gifts (personalised photo calendars are a great gift), or your holiday party invitations this year. I have found their prices affordable and there is always a good deal going on. For example: till December 1, you can get free shipping on orders of $25+ and 30% off holiday cards!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Update
Ok folks, I just ordered my holiday cards from Shutterfly and I have to admit it was the easiest photo site I’ve used yet and I have used a lot of them. You know I will tell you the truth, even if bad, as I have before on product reviews and Shutterfly gets the …In Sock Monkey Slippers approval. Just thought I would let you know it actually was a pleasant experience and I’m excited to start the holidays with our new cards!
Because it’s Halloween season and because it’s my absolute favorite time of year, here is a look at some great Halloween treats that will for sure get you into the tricky spirit, all from Etsy.com!
Halloween Advent Blocks from Bloom and Barnacle - If this is gone by the time you see this it is quite possibly owned by me. I’m in love.
Fairy Wonderful – There were so many wonderful costumes from this shop that I couldn’t pick just one. If you are looking for beautiful unique costumes such as butterflies, peacocks, or a spooky spider Halloween princess this shop has it all for you. Find a truly one of a kind costume for your newborn or little girl here.
Witch Tutu and Bloomers set – Speaking of tutus, I couldn’t resist this witch tutu and bloomers set from Chicky Poo 209. Oh…My…Lord adorable.
Halloween Gourd Jack-O-Lantern Candy Dish Have a unique one of a kind Jack-O-Lantern from Poppy Go Round this Halloween! This Jack-O-Lanter will last for years because it is made from a dried gourd. No two are exactly alike. love it!
Sweet Treats Reversible Halloween/Year-round Children’s Apron made by Hall Or Nothing – This adorable Children’s Halloween apron is perfect for making those Halloween cookies and treats and can be worn year round with it’s daisy flower sage green design on the reverse side. It even comes gift wrapped. This Etsy shop is overflowing with unique gifts and items. Love it! Perfect for that special kid with a Halloween birthday!
Halloween Theme All Natural Organic Dog Treats WHEAT FREE – Created by the unique Etsy shop, Mud Puppys, these all natural ginger mint dog cookies are especially designed for a perfect Halloween treat for your four legged children. A dozen cookies come gift wrapped at the great price of $5.99.
Pumpkin Pie Sugar Scrub from Gems and Dolls – Made with sugar and spice and everything nice this soy sugar body scrub will leave your skin polished just in time for a spooky night.
Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos Necklace – Because Dia de los Muertos is right around the corner and because I love the culture and artwork that surrounds this holiday I have to include this beautiful necklace created by Wink Artisans. A striking piece made of hand colored copper, burgundy freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals is beautiful.
Recently, I was asked by Avocados From Mexico to review their delectable avocados and some of their kid friendly recipes while coming up with some of my own. I was more than happy to oblige since we are heavy avocado eaters in this house. One of Mia’s first solid foods was an avocado and and I couldn’t have been happier when the doorbell rang and on my steps was a box full of one of our favorite fruits. Yes, I said fruit.
Avocados are one of our favorite foods because not only are they perfect as baby’s first food but they are perfect for everyone. Sodium and cholesterol free, avocados contain 20 essential nutrients and help the body absorb vitamins A, D, and E from other foods it’s eaten with. Being a Texan I grew up with avocados practically in everything but it wasn’t until I had a child I realized how versatile they actually are. We use avocado pretty much everyday as it is our go to meal when Mia becomes a little picky. It is always a hit and not only does she eat it as a simple finger food but I add it smashed to cheese quesadillas, oatmeal, and as a spread on a turkey sandwich. When I was asked to do this review I further realized how far one can actually take an avocado. The following recipes are from Avocados From Mexico and one of my own. Try them out on your kiddos today or stop by their website, AvocadosFromMexico.com for more great ideas for you and the family. This is where I do have to stop and say, in all honesty, this website has been added to my list of my favorite recipe sites. It is loaded with great ideas and recipes!
Avocado Quesadillas n’ Dip recipe from Avocados From Mexico
Ingredients:
1 fully ripened avocado from Mexico, halved, pitted and peeled
1/3 cup prepared ranch salad dressing
4 (6-inch) flour tortillas, any flavor
1/2 cup shredded Monterrey Jack cheese
1/4 cup corn kernels
Raw veggies
Preparation:
Chop half of the avocado. To prepare Avocado Dip: In bowl of food processor, combine chopped avocado with ranch dressing; process until smooth; transfer to small serving bowl; set aside. Cut remaining half of the avocado into 8 slices. Heat skillet over medium heat; place one tortilla in skillet; heat until warm, about 30 seconds. Turn tortilla over, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the cheese on half of the tortilla; heat until cheese melts, about 2 minutes. Remove from skillet. Place 1 tablespoon corn and 2 slices avocado on top of cheese; fold other half of tortilla over avocado; press the edge together. Remove to serving plate; cut into thirds. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Serve warm with reserved Avocado Dip and raw veggies, if desired.
* This is a great dip! Mia literally ate every last bite. Here’s a tip: You can also replace prepaired ranch dressing with a tablespoon of ranch dressing mix (comes in a packet) and 2 tablespoons of milk.
Avocado Pineapple Milkshake serves 4 recipe from Avocados From Mexico
Ingredients:
1 fully ripened avocado from Mexico, halved, pitted and peeled
2 cups milk
1 can (8 ounces) pineapple chunks in juice
4 tablespoons granulated sugar
Pinch of salt
1 cup ice
Preparation: In blender container, combine avocado, milk, pineapple, sugar and salt; whirl until smooth. Add ice; whirl until ice is crushed.
* I did find this to be a little too sweet for my tastes. I suggest tasting the shake before adding the sugar depending on how sweet you prefer it.
Avocado and Banana Ice Cream serves 2 recipe from In Sock Monkey Slippers
1 fully ripened avocado from Mexico, halved, pitted and peeled
1 banana, peeled
1 Tbs honey (for children 12 months and older)
In a food processor or blender, puree the avocado, banana, and honey for 1 to 2 minutes. You want the texture to be ultra creamy and almost whipped. Put the mixture in a freezer safe dish and place in the freezer for 2 to 3 hours until the mixture has reached a soft ice cream-like consistency. Serve and enjoy!
* It sounds strange but when we tasted it we couldn’t get enough! It tastes like a creamy banana and honey ice cream. Since it is not a traditional churned ice cream it will freeze completely if left in the freezer longer than 3 to 4 hours. You will want to eat it as soon as it reaches a soft “ice cream” consistency. But here’s a good thing: You can also place the avocado/banana mixture in popsicle forms and allow to freeze overnight for a tasty and creamy avocado popsicle!
Other avocado ideas:
Combine tuna with avocado and use as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
Use as a spread for a bagel or toasted bread strips.
Substitute as a healthy replacement for mayonnaise
Slice avocado in chunks and serve as an anytime snack
Puree and freeze in ice-cube trays. Store in freezer bags or freezer container as a quick baby food.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the product mentioned above for free for review purposes from Avocados From Mexico. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Did you know that only 8% of sunscreens are recommended by the Environmental Working Group? Scary. With our market filled with chemical based sunscreens that disrupt our body’s hormone systems what other choice do we have? Fortunately, there are some companies trying to provide us with a safe alternative to protecting our precious skin. Marie Veronique Organics is one of them and has recently created Kid Safe Screen, a safe chemical free SPF 25+ broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection sunscreen.
I was excited when Marie Veronique Organics asked me to review this product. I have been looking all summer for a safe harmful chemical free sunscreen for my family. Just in time for our Colorado vacation, I took Kid Safe Screen with us to help us fight the rays as were played in the sun. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed in the result. The directions state to shake well and reapply after 2 hours of swimming, perspiring, or towel drying. After a 1.30 hour hike, Tim and I of course were a little sweaty but Mia was on her dad’s back and didn’t even break a sweat. The hike was partly shaded with breaks of sun filled fields. When we took our first break at 45 minutes I was shocked when I looked at Tim and Mia’s red faces. We all reapplied and finished the rest of our hike. When we returned to our condo we were all sun-burnt and pasty white from the numerous applications, a weird combo. Granted we were in the mountains but I never expected to be burnt after 2 applications within 2 hours and hiking in the shaded forest.
Displeased but understanding that we were in the mountains at a higher elevation closer to the sun at the time , I tried it again back home. The results were fair. We spent about 2 hours outside playing in the backyard. I did not see that Mia was burnt but with one regular application she was very pasty from the sunscreen. Although she was not burnt this time the sunscreen did not absorb on her or I and we walked around the rest of the day looking like ghosts. A sharp contrast from what the websites states, “Absorbs into the skin without leaving a greasy or ghostly white film.”
Unfortunately, Kid Safe Sun Screen by Marie Veronique Organics is not for my family. I really do believe in the company and what they are trying to do. They are a wonderful company that operates sustainably, make their products using organic and/or locally grown products when possible and use biodegradable products, labels, and easily recyclable packaging. They also donate 10% of company profits to The Acumen Fund, a non-profit dedicated to creating better opportunities for women and children in Third World countries. Such a beautiful company but their Kid Safe Sun Screen just was not for us.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the product mentioned above for free for review purposes from Marie Veronique Organics I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
